There are times when an event is so compelling
in its human drama, complexity, and heartache
that you can't turn away.
That's what it was like for
Oakdale resident John Bugler
when he witnessed the Sago Mine disaster in West Virginia.
...

REMEMBERING FREEDOM FIGHTERS --
John W. Bugler of Oakdale
says a prayer and places flowers
in memory of those who died in Hungary,
fighting for freedom in October, 1956.
As a 20-year-old sailor, 30 years ago,
Bugler organized a campaign that raised
money to support freedom the fighters.

In spite of numerous obstacles to his pilgrimage, it appears that divine providence landed him a spot at St.Peter's Square for the momentous occasion.
... a mad dash toward the square [with] a tardy cardinal ...
to witness what is believed to be the largest funeral ceremony in modern history.
...
It was only fitting that this man from Oakdale was part of the historic event, for back in the 1980s Mr. Bugler was involved in assisting the Solidarity movement in Poland.

John Bugler of the New York State Department of Transportation
has been named TRB Emeritus Member after his contribution to TRB
and to the understanding of joint performance in Portland cement
concrete pavements.
... Bugler is nationally and internationally
recognized for his work on joint sealants. Throughout his career he
worked to advance the concept of cost effectiveness and worked
towards the implementation of pavement rehabilitation and
preservation techniques.